JP3679414B2 - Method and apparatus for manufacturing a closed sealed capsule - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for manufacturing a closed sealed capsule Download PDF

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Publication number
JP3679414B2
JP3679414B2 JP50241896A JP50241896A JP3679414B2 JP 3679414 B2 JP3679414 B2 JP 3679414B2 JP 50241896 A JP50241896 A JP 50241896A JP 50241896 A JP50241896 A JP 50241896A JP 3679414 B2 JP3679414 B2 JP 3679414B2
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capsule
passage
opening
members
contact
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JPH10501718A (en
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グーセンス,フランシス
ペティジャン,フランソワ
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Warner Lambert Co LLC
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Warner Lambert Co LLC
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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/48Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
    • B29C65/52Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding characterised by the way of applying the adhesive
    • B29C65/524Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding characterised by the way of applying the adhesive by applying the adhesive from an outlet device in contact with, or almost in contact with, the surface of the part to be joined
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61JCONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J3/00Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms
    • A61J3/07Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of capsules or similar small containers for oral use
    • A61J3/071Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of capsules or similar small containers for oral use into the form of telescopically engaged two-piece capsules
    • A61J3/072Sealing capsules, e.g. rendering them tamper-proof
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/10Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/11Joint cross-sections comprising a single joint-segment, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising a single joint-segment in the joint cross-section
    • B29C66/114Single butt joints
    • B29C66/1142Single butt to butt joints
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/10Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/12Joint cross-sections combining only two joint-segments; Tongue and groove joints; Tenon and mortise joints; Stepped joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/128Stepped joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/1282Stepped joint cross-sections comprising at least one overlap joint-segment
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/10Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/12Joint cross-sections combining only two joint-segments; Tongue and groove joints; Tenon and mortise joints; Stepped joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/128Stepped joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/1284Stepped joint cross-sections comprising at least one butt joint-segment
    • B29C66/12841Stepped joint cross-sections comprising at least one butt joint-segment comprising at least two butt joint-segments
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/51Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/54Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-shells, to form hollow articles, e.g. for making balls, containers; Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-cylinders, to form tubular articles
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/51Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/54Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-shells, to form hollow articles, e.g. for making balls, containers; Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-cylinders, to form tubular articles
    • B29C66/542Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-shells, to form hollow articles, e.g. for making balls, containers; Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-cylinders, to form tubular articles joining hollow covers or hollow bottoms to open ends of container bodies
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/83General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof characterised by the movement of the joining or pressing tools
    • B29C66/832Reciprocating joining or pressing tools
    • B29C66/8322Joining or pressing tools reciprocating along one axis
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/48Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding
    • B29C65/52Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding characterised by the way of applying the adhesive
    • B29C65/522Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor using adhesives, i.e. using supplementary joining material; solvent bonding characterised by the way of applying the adhesive by spraying, e.g. by flame spraying
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/78Means for handling the parts to be joined, e.g. for making containers or hollow articles, e.g. means for handling sheets, plates, web-like materials, tubular articles, hollow articles or elements to be joined therewith; Means for discharging the joined articles from the joining apparatus
    • B29C65/7841Holding or clamping means for handling purposes
    • B29C65/7847Holding or clamping means for handling purposes using vacuum to hold at least one of the parts to be joined
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/70General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
    • B29C66/71General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the composition of the plastics material of the parts to be joined
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/70General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
    • B29C66/73General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
    • B29C66/737General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the state of the material of the parts to be joined
    • B29C66/7379General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the state of the material of the parts to be joined degradable
    • B29C66/73793General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the state of the material of the parts to be joined degradable soluble, e.g. water-soluble
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/82Pressure application arrangements, e.g. transmission or actuating mechanisms for joining tools or clamps
    • B29C66/822Transmission mechanisms
    • B29C66/8227Transmission mechanisms using springs
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/84Specific machine types or machines suitable for specific applications
    • B29C66/843Machines for making separate joints at the same time in different planes; Machines for making separate joints at the same time mounted in parallel or in series
    • B29C66/8432Machines for making separate joints at the same time mounted in parallel or in series
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29LINDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/712Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages
    • B29L2031/7174Capsules

Abstract

A process and an apparatus for producing closed sealed capsules are disclosed. The capsules contain releasable substances packaged in at least one cavity inside the capsules which are formed of two or more joined sealed parts of substantially organic, film forming material. The process comprises the steps of: (a) providing a first part of the capsule having a first contact zone; (b) filling the first part of the capsule with the substances to be packaged; (c) providing at least a second part of the capsule having a second contact zone; (d) applying binding means to at least one of the contact zones; (e) joining the parts of the capsule, so that the contact zones come into contact via the binding means; and (f) pressing the joined parts of the capsule together with a predetermined force so that portions of opposite contact zones are kept in pressed contact for a predetermined period of time to obtain the closed sealed capsule. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out this process, preferably including a channel (31) having a first opening (56) and a second opening (43) spaced apart from the first opening (56), such that joined parts (21, 22) of the capsules (20) are insertable into the channel (31) through the first opening (56), are guidable along the channel (56) and are ejectable from the channel (31) through the second opening (43), whereby the inserted parts (21, 22) of the capsules (20) form a row such that successive pairs of joined parts (21, 22) stay in direct contact with one another.

Description

発明の分野
本発明は、閉鎖密封カプセルを製造する方法及び装置に関し、特に非常に細かい粉末または中間または低粘度の液体を收容する閉鎖密封した2つの部材から成るカプセルを製造する方法及び装置に関する。
従来技術の説明
2つの部材から成るゼラチンカプセル及び2つの部材からなるでんぷんのカプセルは薬品、日用品、化学薬品等の容器として広範に使用される。特にそれらは、薬剤を投与する薬剤カプセルの形で製造することができる。これらのカプセルは、薬剤を充填する容器部材と、容器部材の上部に配置される閉鎖部材とを有する。
2つの部材の間の閉鎖を保証するために、特許文献GB2187703は、カプセルを充填し閉鎖する方法を示している。GB2187703による方法は、例えば、閉鎖部材の接触領域に密封液を接触させる段階と、密封カプセルを形成するために容器部材と閉鎖部材とを一体化する段階とを有する。
接触領域と密封液とを接触させるために種々の方法が示唆されている。特許文献DE−A3735260は、2部材から成るカプセルの閉鎖部材を湿潤装置を示し、それによって、密封液は、閉鎖部材の接触領域にスプレーされる。過剰な密封液を吸引装置によって除去する。特許文献EP−A0569656及びGB2187703は、密封液を吸収材料によって吸収し、接触領域を吸収材料に直接接触させることによってカプセルの閉鎖部材の接触領域に密封液を転移させる方法を示している。
これらの方法は、充填されたカプセルの2つの部材が分離しないように有効であり、カプセルにパックされた粉末の大部分について適当な密封を形成することが証明されている。しかしながら、非常に細かい粉末のパッキング及び中間または低粘度の液体のパッキング用としては更に改良が必要である。これらの目的において、従来の密封は、非常に細かい粉末または中間及び低粘度の液体が閉鎖したカプセルから洩出すことを防止するために十分な緊密性はない。この問題の明らかな解決法は、さらに一様で大きな密封領域を達成するために密封液の量を増加することである。しかしながら、密封液の増加によって、結合領域においてカプセルの変形が生じる。これらの変形は美観的な欠点とみなされる場合もあるが、異なるカプセルを互に付着させる場合がある。さらに、密封液の増加は、カプセル結合領域の過剰な湿潤、及び2つの部材を迅速に結合する際に、内側に生じた圧力(ピストン効果)によってカプセルの一部が再び開くことが生じる。
発明の概要
従って、本発明の目的は、非常に細かい粉末及び中間または低粘度を有する液体を漏れることなく充填することができるようにカプセルの2つの部材の間に緊密な密封を達成することである。
本発明の目的は、過剰な結合液の蓄積及び密封領域の部分的な再開放の負の効果がなく、カプセルの2つの部材の間に緊密な密封を達成することである。
本発明の他の目的は、密封領域の内側の欠陥によって排除される結合された密封部材の量を著しく低下する、カプセルの2つの部材を結合し、密封する方法を提供することである。
これらの目的は、2つまたはそれ以上の有機フィルム形成材料の結合された密封部材から形成されたカプセルの内側の少なくとも1つの空洞に充填された放出可能な物質を含む閉鎖密封カプセルを製造する方法を提供する本発明によって達成される。本発明の方法は、(a)第1の接触領域を有するカプセルの第1の部材を準備する工程と、(b)前記買カプセルの第1の部材に收容するべき物質を充填する工程と、(c)第2の接触領域を有するカプセルの少なくとも第2の部材を準備する工程と、(d)前記接触領域の少なくとも1つに結合手段を付与する工程と、(e)結合手段を介して接触領域が接触するように前記カプセルの部材を結合する工程と、(f)閉鎖密封カプセルを得るために対向する接触領域の部分が所定の時間に、押圧接触を維持するように、所定の力でカプセルの結合された部材を押圧する工程とを有する。
本発明の他の目的は、有機フィルム形成材料の2つまたは、それ以上の結合密封部材から形成されるカプセルの内側の少なくとも1つの空洞に、放出可能な物質を收容する閉鎖密封カプセルを製造する装置を提供する。
本発明の他の目的は、本発明によって閉鎖された密封カプセルを製造する方法を実行することができる装置を提供することである。
本発明の目的は、有機フィルム形成材料の結合された2つの密封部材から形成されたカプセルの内側に少なくとも1つの空洞に收容された放出可能な物質を含む閉鎖密封カプセルを製造する装置であって、第1の接触領域を有するカプセルの第1の部材を提供する第1の送り装置と、收容すべき物質をカプセルの第1の部材に充填する充填装置と、第2の接触面を有するカプセルの第2の部材を提供する第2の送り装置と、少なくとも1つの接触領域に結合手段を付与する湿潤装置と、対向する接触領域が閉鎖密封カプセルを得るために所定時間、押圧接触を維持するように所定の力でカプセルの結合された部材を押圧する少なくとも1つの押圧装置とを有する閉鎖密封カプセルを製造する装置を提供することによって達成される。
【図面の簡単な説明】
第1図は、本発明の閉鎖密封カプセルを製造する製造装置を示す。
第2図は、第1図による装置の平面図である。
第3図は、第1図による装置の結合ステーションを示す。
第4図は、完成したカプセルの断面図を示す。
第5図は、カプセルの接触領域を示す拡大図面である。
第6図は、押圧装置に更にカプセルを挿入する前の状態で本発明による押圧装置を示す。
第7図は、新しいカプセルが押圧装置に挿入され、押圧装置の上部に近いカプセルが押圧装置から放出された後の状態で第6図による押圧装置を示す図面である。
第8図は、放出装置の他の実施例を示す図面である。
第9図は、不良カプセルを排除する位置での押圧装置を示す図面である。
第10図は、本発明による押圧装置の他の実施例の側面図である。
第11図は、第10図による押圧装置の平面図である。
第12図は、第10図の線XII−XIIによる断面図である。
好ましい実施例の詳細な説明
本発明を特定の実施例について説明するが、それは本発明を制限するものではなく、請求の範囲によって定義された本発明の範囲内に含まれる全ての変形例及び等価物をカバーすることを意図するものである。
カプセルの第1と第2の部材は、射出成形によって達成される圧力成形によって製造される。カプセルの第1の部材及び第2の部材の好ましい形状は、英国特許出願第8705664号(公開第2,187,703号)に示されている。特に、この特許文献は、カプセルの第1及び第2の部材の接触領域の好ましい形状を示しており、参照によってここに組み込まれている。処理をスピードアップするために、異なるカプセルが、同時に処理され、段階(f)は、段階(a)乃至(e)と同時に実行される。このような段階(a)乃至(e)は、段階(f)の所要時間から独立した処理のステーション時間を有する。
さらに、閉鎖したカプセルの内側にパックされた物質と結合手段との直接的な接触を避けながらカプセルの2つの部材が互に押圧される。
種々の有機フィルム形成材料がカプセル材料として使用することができる。適当な材料は、スターチ、スターチの水溶性化学誘導体、ゼラチン、フタレートゼラチン、ゼラチンサクシネート、クロスリンクゼラチン、シェラック、サンフラワープロテイン、ソイビーンプロテイン、コットンシードプロテイン、ピーナッツプロテイン、レイプシードプロテイン、ブラッドプロテイン、エッグプロテイン、アクリレートプロテイン及び他の植物性プロテイン、アルジネート、カーラジーナン、グアーガム、アガールーアガール、ガムアラビック及び関連ガム、ペクチン及び他の水溶性ポリサッカライド、水溶性セルロース誘導体、アルキルセルロース、ヒドロキシアルキルセルロース、ヒドロキシアルキルセルロース及びヒドロキシアルキルアルキルセルロース、メチルセルロース、ヒドロキシメチルセルロース、ヒドロキシエチルセルロース、ヒドロキシプロピルセルロース、ヒドロシエチルメチルセルロース、ヒドロキシプロピルメチルセルロース及びヒドロキシブチルメチルセルロース、セルロースエステル、セルロースアセチルフタレート(CAP)を含むヒドロキシアルキルセルロースエステル及びヒドロキシプロピルメチルセルロースフタレート(HPMCP)、カルボキシルアルキルセルロース、カルボキシアルキルセルロース、カルボキシルメチルセルロースを含むカルボキシアルキルセルロースエステル及びそれらのアルカリ金属塩、ポリアクリル酸及びポリアクリル酸エステルを含む水溶性合成ポリマー、ポリメタクリル酸及びポリメタクリル酸エステル、ポリビニールアセテート、ポリビニールアルコール、ポリビニールアセテートフタレート(PVAP)、ポリビニルピロリドン、ポリクロトニック酸、カチオンモディファイド・アクリレート及びメタクリレート及びその組み合わせである。
好ましくは、カプセルの主材料はスターチ(でんぷん)である。好ましくは、スターチは植物性のカルボヒドレートであり、これはアミロース及びアミロペクチンから成る。好ましくは、それは種々の植物、例えば、ポテト、米、タピオカ、コーン及びライ、オーツ及び小麦のような穀物である種々の植物から抽出される。圧力を加えると同時に、温度を上昇させることによって、この性質のスターチは、高度の精度を呈する密度の高い部材を成形することができる。圧力下で高温度で実行される圧力、特に射出成形の製造技術は、ヨーロッパ特許出願第84300940.8(公開第118240号)に説明され、本発明にも適用される。この特許文献は、処理条件(好ましい温度、圧力及び湿気水準の内容)を特定し、増量剤、潤滑剤、可塑剤及び/または着色剤のような添加物に関する情報を含み、それは参照によってここに含まれる。
高圧高温で実行される上述したタイプの他の材料の圧力成形、特にゼラチンの射出成形がヨーロッパ特許出願第83301643.9号(公開第90,600号)に説明されており、これは、処理条件(好ましい温度、圧力及び湿気水準の内容)を特定し、増量剤、潤滑剤、可塑剤及び/または着色剤のような可能性のある添加物の情報を含む。この出願も、参照によりここに組み込まれている。
上述した種々の材料を混合し、組み合わせることは本発明の範囲内である。スターチと1つまたはそれ以上の着色剤の混合または組み合わせは最も好ましい。
上述した材料に対してマグネシウム、アルミニウム、シリコン、チタニウム等の酸化物のような無機質のフィラーを添加することができる。50%までの増量剤濃度が示されるが、それらは、すべての成分の重量に基づいて3乃至10%の範囲でなければならない。
付加される可塑剤の例は、好ましくは、すべての成分の重量に基づいて0.5乃至15%の範囲、好ましくは、0.5乃至5%の範囲のポリエチレングリコール、ポリプロピレングリコール、ポリエチレンプロピレングリコールのようなポリアルキレンオキシド、グリセロール、グリセロールモノアセテート、ジアセテートまたはトリアセテートのような低分子量の有機可塑剤、プロピレングリコール、ソルビトール、ソジウムジエチルスルフォサクシネート、トリエチルシトレート、トリブチルシトレート等を含む。
着色剤の例は、アゾ染料、有機または無機顔料または天然の着色剤を含む。鉄またはチタニウムの酸化物のような無機顔料が好ましい。これらの酸化物は、すべての成分の重量に基づいて0.001乃至10%、好ましくは、0.5乃至3%の範囲の濃度で付加される。
好ましくは、カプセルの部材は、すべての成分の重量に基づいてさらに10乃至20%、好ましくは、12乃至19%さらに好ましくは14乃至18%の水含有量を有する。可塑剤及び水含有量の合計は、すべての成分の重量に基づいて25%を越えないことが好ましく、20%を越えないことがさらに好ましい。
本発明に使用される結合手段は、水、及びゼラチン、スターチ、変形されたスターチ、セルロース誘導体、変形セルロース、ポリビニールアルコール、ポリビニールピロリドン、グリセロール、他のポリオル、グリコール、ポリエチレングリコール、ポリプロピレングリコール、陰イオン、陽イオンまたは両性の水溶性である表面活性剤、陽イオンまたは陰イオンである水溶性アクリルポリマー、モノサッカライド、オリゴサッカライド及びデキストリンを含むポリサッカライド及びその混合物から成るグループから選択されたポリマーである。
付加されるポリマーの量は、結合手段の全体重量に基づいて重量で約50%まで、好ましくは1乃至20%、最も好ましくは2乃至10%が望ましい。
結合手段の全体の重量に基づいて重量で2乃至10%の量の水及びデキストリンを用いるのが最も好ましい。適当なデキストリンの一例はポテトスターチから製造されるROQUETTEから供給される黄色デキストリンTACKIDEX DF145である。
本発明によれば、結合手段が少なくとも1つの接触領域に付与される。好ましくは、結合手段は、第2の接触領域に付与される。
種々の技術が、結合手段を第2の接触領域に付与するのに用いることができる。好ましい方法は、第2の接触領域に結合手段をスプレーすることである。好ましくは、過剰な結合手段は吸引装置によって除去される。
結合手段を付与するさらに好ましい方法は、吸収材料を使用することである。結合手段は、吸収材料により吸収され、接触領域を吸収材料に直接接触させることによって接触領域に転移する。
カプセルの結合される部材の間に緊密な密封を形成するために、カプセルの結合された部材を互に押圧する押圧装置に挿入することが好ましい。
本発明の好ましい実施例において、カプセルの結合された部材は、2つのウイングを有するU形状の容器に挿入される。閉鎖されたカプセルは、容器の2つのウイングの間に配置される。2つのウイングの間の距離を調整することによって所定の圧力が閉鎖されたカプセルに加えられる。
さらに本発明の好ましい実施例において、部材が結合されたカプセルは、通路に挿入され、通路に沿って案内され、挿入されたカプセルが互に直接接触した連続する列を通路の内側に形成し、通路から放出される。通路の内側で列を形成するカプセルは、互に所定の向きを有する。
好ましくは、前記通路は、垂直方向であり、カプセルは通路の底部近傍に挿入される。通路の上部近傍のカプセルの重量が通路の底部近傍のカプセルに十分な圧力を与える。
本発明の好ましい実施例において、前記通路は、カプセルの結合された部材に十分な圧力を与えるために圧力装置を有する。好ましくは、圧力装置は、通路から放出される直前のカプセルに所定の力を加える空気ピストンを有する。好ましくは、空気ピストンによって加えられる力は5.0乃至15Nである。
カプセルの挿入と放出の間の通路の長さは、カプセルの結合される部材の間に強い密封領域を得るために通路の内側に十分な時間留まるように選択される。好ましくは、この時間は、10乃至60秒の範囲にある。強力な密封領域を得るために必要な時間を短くするために25乃至50℃の高温、最も好ましいのは約40℃を維持することが好ましい。
欠陥カプセルを容易に排除するために、カプセルが通路に挿入可能である第1の位置からカプセルが通路に挿入可能ではない第2の位置まで通路が旋回可能であることが好ましい。
挿入されたカプセルが通路の第1の開口部を通じて通路から脱落することを防止するために通路の第1の開口部近傍に保持装置を有する。好ましくは、保持装置は、カプセルが通路の内側に保持される第1の位置からカプセルが通路に挿入可能な第2の位置まで旋回可能なつめと、ばね部材とを有し、前記ばね部材は、つめを第1の位置に押しつけることが好ましい。
カプセルの精確な放出を保証するために、通路は、第2の開口部を通じて通路からカプセルを放出するために前記開口部に配置された放出装置を有する。本発明の好ましい実施例において、放出装置は、第2の開口部を通じてカプセルを放出するため、第2の開口部に配置された放出ばねを有する。本発明のさらに好ましい実施例において、放出装置は、第2の開口部を通じて通路からカプセルを放出するために第2の開口部に配置された放出ノイズを有する。
第1図及び第2図は、本発明による閉鎖された密封カプセルを製造する装置の構造を示す。この装置において、マガジン1は、パックすべき製品が充填される容器部材として使用されるカプセルの第1の部材22を収納する。マガジン1は、連続的に振動する搬送通路2に接続され、カプセルの容器部材22を送り装置3に案内する。この容器の部品送り装置3によって、カプセルの容器部材22はホルダ5に押込まれる。これはラム3aによって行われる。それによって、容器部材22の開口部は上方に面する。ホルダ5は回転テーブル4に固定されている。回転テーブル4のステップ回転によって定められる定期的なステップにおいて、容器部材22は充填装置6に搬送される。各容器部材22は、充填装置6を通って、調量された量の非常に細かい粉末、または中間または低粘度の液体19を受ける。粉末19または液体19は、ストック容器6aから供給される。次に、充填された容器部材22は閉鎖ステーション7に搬送される。この閉鎖ステーション7において、カプセルの第2の部材21が、容器部材22の上部に配置され、容器部材22と結合される。閉鎖部材21は、閉鎖部材マガジン10に収納されている。第2の送り装置9、即ち、連続的に振動する搬送通路9を介して、閉鎖部材21が閉鎖ステーション7に移送される。閉鎖ステーション7は、結合手段13を收容する容器14と共に結合装置、即ち、ロータ8及びホルダ8aを有する。さらに閉鎖ステーション7は、吸収材料12aを有する湿潤装置12を有する。閉鎖ステーション7の動作を第3図を参照してさらに詳細に説明する。カプセルの結合された部材21,22は閉鎖カプセルの品質を制御する検出装置25に搬送される。閉鎖されたカプセルは、押圧装置11まで移送される。閉鎖カプセルの品質に依存して、欠陥のあるカプセルは、出口シュート29上を容器26に案内され、それに対して、欠陥のないカプセルは、押圧装置11に挿入される。これらのカプセルは、押圧装置11の内側の通路を通して案内され、押圧装置11の上部に近い開口部43を通じて放出され、出口シュート28上を容器27に案内される。押圧装置11の動作は、第6図乃至第9図を参照してさらに詳細に説明する。
第1図及び第2図に示す装置は、同時に異なるカプセルを処理し、製造速度を増大することができる。カプセルの容器部材を提供し、容器部材に充填し、カプセルを閉鎖し、カプセルの部材を互に押圧する種々の工程が、異なるカプセルに同時に実行される。容器部材を形成し、容器部材に充填し、カプセルを閉鎖する工程は、カプセルの部材の間に強い密封領域を得るために必要な所定の時間から全く独立したステーション時間を有する。これは、時間を消費する押圧工程が完了するまで、他の処理工程が待つことを強要されないことを意味する。
製造工程をさらに加速するため、送り装置3、充填装置6、閉鎖ステーション7及びホルダ5は、例えば3つのカプセルを同時に取り扱うことができる。その場合、押圧装置は、カプセルを押圧するために3つの通路を有する。
第4図は、充填され閉鎖されたカプセルをさらに詳細に示すものである。カプセルは、非常に細かな粉末、または中間または低粘度の液体19の容器として使用する第1の部材22を有する。カプセル20は、第1の部材22の上部に配置された第2の部材21によって閉鎖される。第1の部材22は、第1の接触領域24を有し、第2の部材21は第2の接触領域23を有する。カプセルの部材を結合することによって、接触領域23,24は、結合手段を介して接触し、閉鎖密封領域を形成する。
第3図は、垂直方向の断面において閉鎖ステーション7を示すものである。閉鎖ステーション7は、結合手段即ち密封液13を收容する容器14を有する。容器14内に一定水準の密封液13を維持するために、ドロッパ15及びオーバーフロー16を介して容器14に接続される2つの追加の容器が設けられている。吸収材料の一部、例えばフェルト12aは、一部が容器14につけられる。密封液13は、毛管によってフェルト12aの部分に引かれ、容器14の外側のフェルト12aの部分に移送される。
搬送通路9内に配置されたカプセルの第2または閉鎖部材21を結合手段13に接触させるために、閉鎖部材21はホルダ8aによって取得される。ホルダ8aは、真空によって閉鎖部材を取得し、容器14の外側のフェルトの部分にそれらを転送する。ホルダ8aの垂直方向の動きは、閉鎖部材21をフェルト12aに押し付け、それによって閉鎖部材21の接触領域23を密封液13で濡らす。垂直方向の移動と組み合わされて連続するホルダ8aの回転は、ホルダ5に配置されたカプセルの容器部材22の上部に閉鎖部材21を移送する。閉鎖部材21及び容器部材22は、ホルダ8aの垂直方向の動き及び真空の同時的な除去の結果として結合される。
第6図は、本発明による押圧装置11を概略的に示す。部材が結合されたカプセル20は、ホルダ5に配置され、ホルダ5は回転テーブル4に取り付けられ、閉鎖ステーション7から押圧装置11にカプセルを搬送する。押圧装置11はほぼ垂直方向である直線的通路31を有する。通路31は通路31の底部の開口部56と通路31の上部近傍の開口部43とを有する。つめ32が、通路の内側にカプセルを保持するために低部の開口部56の近くに配置されている。つめ32は、取付部分34の周りで旋回可能である。しかしながら、通路31の底部開口部56が閉鎖され、バッファ36が通路31の壁に対して押付けられる第1の位置につめ32を保持するためにばね部材35が使用される。
通路31の内側のカプセル20は、垂直方向の列を形成し、それによって、連続的なカプセルは、互に直接接触し、互に所定の向きを有する。それによって、列の上部のカプセルに加えられる圧力は、通路31の内側のカプセル全部に伝達される。
欠陥のあるカプセルを出口シュートに案内するように、通路31の底部近傍に傾斜面37が配置されている。これは、通路31は取付部38の周りで旋回可能であるから可能である。フレーム39に配置された作動装置40が通路31のこの旋回を駆動するために使用される。
さらに、通路31は、結合されたカプセルに十分な圧力を提供する圧力装置41,42を有する。空気ピストン41が、作動シリンダ42によって作動される。さらに通路31は、第2の開口部43を通じて通路31からカプセルを放出するために第2の開口部に配置された放出装置44を有する。この実施例において、放出装置44は放出ばねを有する。放出されたカプセルは、出口シュートによって集められる。
検出装置(図示せず)は、ホルダ5が通路31の直下の位置に到達したときを検出する。その時、カプセルを通路31に挿入することができるように空気ピストンによって加えられた圧力が開放される。プッシャ30は、つめの底部近傍の傾斜面33に向ってカプセル20を押し、それによって、つめ32は、低部開口部56を開放する第2の位置へ旋回し、カプセル20は通路の内側でさらに押される。検出装置45は、カプセル通路31に完全に挿入したとき、プッシャの垂直方向の移動を終結するために使用される。対応する状況が第7図に示されている。通路31にカプセルを挿入することによって、すでに通路31の内側にあるカプセル20は、上方に押され、通路31の上部に位置するカプセル20は、溝から出口シュート28に放出されカプセルが収集される。プッシャ30が通路31を去ると、つめ32は原位置に復帰し、カプセルを通路の内側に保持する。次に空気ピストンが列の上部のカプセルに再び接触し、所定の圧力が加えられる。
第8図は、放出装置の他の実施例を示す。この実施例において、放出ノズル46が通路31からカプセルを放出するために使用される。放出ノズルは、圧縮空気ライン47を通じて供給される圧縮空気を使用する。
通路31は、カプセルが通路31に挿入される第1の位置から、カプセルを通路31に挿入できない第2の位置へ旋回可能である。検出装置25(第1図及び第2図)が欠陥を有するカプセル20aを検出すると、通路31は、第1の位置から第2の位置に旋回し、欠陥カプセル20aは、底部開口部56の近傍に配置された傾斜面37に向かってプッシャ30によって押される。この傾斜面37は、除去しなければならない欠陥カプセルを集める出口シュート29に欠陥部品20aを案内するようになっている。その対応する状況が第9図に示されている。
第10図乃至第12図は、本発明による押圧装置の他の実施例である。押圧装置は、2つの対向する部品またはウイング49,50を有する容器48から成る。2つのウイング49,50は、スペーサ51とねじ52を介して接続されている。容器は、U形状を有し、閉鎖カプセルは、2つの対向するウイング49,50の間に挿入することができる。ウイング49,50は、カプセル20の形状の溝54を有する。カプセルを容器48に挿入することを容易にするために溝54は、円錐形面53を有する。挿入されたカプセルに加えられる圧力を調整するために、2つのウイング49,50の間の距離は、ねじ52によって調整することができる。カプセルの除去を容易にするために、容器48は、容器48の2つのウイング49,50の間に配置された溝55を有する。
本発明による処理の次の特定の例が示される。もちろん、これらの例は、単なる例示であり、本発明を制限するものではない。
例1
スターチカプセル寸法0、黄色不透明が、450mgピーナッツオイル(粘度60−70cps)で充填され、第1図及び第2図に示されるような自動充填機械において閉鎖され、それによって、第10図乃至第12図に示すような押圧装置が使用された。密封液は水及びポテトスターチ(ROQUETTEから供給されるTACKIDEX DF)の黄色デキストリン5%が含まれる。次の結果が得られた。

Figure 0003679414
表1から分かるように、多量の密封液を用いて(試行1)、緊密な密封が達成されるが(洩れなし)、100%に近いカプセルが部分的に再開放される。密封液の量が11 1/capに最適化されるとき(試行2)、再開放は、非常に低減するが、カプセルは、緊密ではない。24時間以内にカプセルの61%が漏れた。
本発明による押圧ステップと組み合わせて密封液の最適量を使用することによってカプセルの再開放は完全に抑止され、漏れが非常に低減される。
例2
スターチカプセル寸法0、黄色不透明が、450mgピーナッツオイル(粘度60−70cps)で充填され、第1図及び第2図に示されるような自動充填機械において閉鎖され、それによって、第6図に示すような押圧装置が使用された。密封液は、水及びポテトスターチ(ROQUETTEから供給されるTACKIDEX DF)の黄色デキストリン5%が含まれた。次の結果が得られた。
Figure 0003679414
表2から分かるように、多量の密封液(試行1)では、緊密な密封が達成されるが(洩れなし)、100%に近いカプセルが部分的に再開放される。密封液の量が11 1/capに最適化されるとき(試行2)、再開放は、非常に低減するが、カプセルは、緊密ではない。24時間以内にカプセルの61%が漏れた。
第6図による押圧装置を使用することによって(試行4)カプセルの再開放は完全に抑止され、漏れが完全に抑止された。
従って、本発明によってカプセル2つの部材を結合し密封する方法が達成される。この方法は、非常に細かい粉末、及び中間または低粘度の液体を漏れがなく、また過剰な密封液の負の効果及び密封領域の部分的な再開放がなく、充填することができるように、カプセルの2つの部材の間の緊密な密封を達成する。さらに、本発明による方法は、密封領域の内側の欠陥によって排除されるカプセルの量を著しく低減する。
また本発明は、有機フィルム形成材料の2つ以上の結合された密封部材から形成されたカプセルの内側の少なくとも1つの空洞に充填された開放可能な物質を有する閉鎖した密封カプセルを製造する装置を提供する。Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing a closed sealed capsule, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for manufacturing a capsule with two closed seals containing a very fine powder or a medium or low viscosity liquid.
Description of prior art
Two-part gelatin capsules and two-part starch capsules are widely used as containers for medicines, daily necessities, chemicals and the like. In particular, they can be manufactured in the form of drug capsules for administering the drug. These capsules have a container member that is filled with a medicine and a closing member that is disposed on the top of the container member.
In order to guarantee the closure between the two members, the patent document GB 2187703 shows a method for filling and closing the capsule. The method according to GB 2187703 comprises, for example, bringing a sealing liquid into contact with the contact area of the closure member and integrating the container member and the closure member to form a sealed capsule.
Various methods have been suggested for contacting the contact area with the sealing liquid. Patent document DE-A 3735260 shows a device for wetting a closure member of a two-part capsule, whereby a sealing liquid is sprayed onto the contact area of the closure member. Excess sealing fluid is removed by suction device. Patent documents EP-A 0 568 656 and GB 2187703 show a method in which the sealing liquid is absorbed by the absorbent material and the sealing liquid is transferred to the contact area of the closure member of the capsule by bringing the contact area into direct contact with the absorbent material.
These methods are effective so that the two parts of the filled capsule do not separate and have proven to form a suitable seal for the majority of the powder packed in the capsule. However, further improvements are needed for packing very fine powders and for packing medium or low viscosity liquids. For these purposes, conventional seals are not tight enough to prevent very fine powders or medium and low viscosity liquids from leaking out of closed capsules. An obvious solution to this problem is to increase the amount of sealing liquid to achieve a more uniform and large sealing area. However, the increase in sealing liquid causes capsule deformation in the bonding area. These deformations may be considered aesthetic flaws, but different capsules may adhere to each other. Furthermore, the increase in sealing liquid results in excessive wetting of the capsule coupling area and the re-opening of the capsule part due to the pressure (piston effect) generated on the inside when the two members are quickly coupled.
Summary of the Invention
The object of the invention is therefore to achieve a tight seal between the two parts of the capsule so that very fine powders and liquids with intermediate or low viscosity can be filled without leaking.
The object of the present invention is to achieve a tight seal between the two parts of the capsule without the negative effects of excessive binding liquid accumulation and partial reopening of the sealing area.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for joining and sealing two members of a capsule that significantly reduces the amount of joined sealing members that are rejected by defects inside the sealing region.
These objects are directed to a method of manufacturing a closed sealed capsule comprising a releasable substance filled in at least one cavity inside a capsule formed from a combined sealing member of two or more organic film forming materials. This is achieved by the present invention. The method of the present invention comprises (a) preparing a first member of a capsule having a first contact area, and (b) filling a substance to be contained in the first member of the buy capsule; (C) providing at least a second member of a capsule having a second contact area; (d) providing a coupling means to at least one of the contact areas; and (e) via the coupling means. Joining the members of the capsule so that the contact areas contact, and (f) a predetermined force so that the portions of the contact areas facing to obtain a closed sealed capsule maintain a pressing contact for a predetermined time. And pressing the member to which the capsule is coupled.
Another object of the present invention is to produce a closed sealed capsule containing a releasable substance in at least one cavity inside the capsule formed from two or more combined sealing members of organic film forming material. Providing equipment.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of carrying out the method of manufacturing a closed sealed capsule according to the present invention.
An object of the present invention is an apparatus for producing a closed sealed capsule comprising a releasable substance contained in at least one cavity inside a capsule formed from two sealed members joined with an organic film forming material. A first feeding device for providing a first member of a capsule having a first contact area, a filling device for filling the first member of the capsule with a substance to be accommodated, and a capsule having a second contact surface A second feeding device for providing a second member of the device, a wetting device for providing a coupling means to at least one contact area, and an opposing contact area for maintaining a pressing contact for a predetermined time to obtain a closed sealed capsule This is achieved by providing an apparatus for manufacturing a closed sealed capsule having at least one pressing device for pressing the combined members of the capsule with a predetermined force.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 shows a production apparatus for producing the closed sealed capsule of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the apparatus according to FIG.
FIG. 3 shows the coupling station of the apparatus according to FIG.
FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the completed capsule.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing the contact area of the capsule.
FIG. 6 shows the pressing device according to the invention in a state before the capsule is further inserted into the pressing device.
FIG. 7 shows the pressing device according to FIG. 6 in a state after a new capsule has been inserted into the pressing device and a capsule near the top of the pressing device has been released from the pressing device.
FIG. 8 is a drawing showing another embodiment of the discharge device.
FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the pressing device at a position where defective capsules are excluded.
FIG. 10 is a side view of another embodiment of the pressing device according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a plan view of the pressing device according to FIG.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments but is not intended to limit the invention and is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents included within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. To do.
The first and second members of the capsule are manufactured by pressure molding achieved by injection molding. The preferred shape of the first and second members of the capsule is shown in British Patent Application No. 8705664 (Publication No. 2,187,703). In particular, this patent document shows the preferred shape of the contact area of the first and second members of the capsule and is hereby incorporated by reference. In order to speed up the processing, different capsules are processed simultaneously and step (f) is performed simultaneously with steps (a) to (e). Such steps (a) to (e) have a station time of processing independent of the time required for step (f).
Furthermore, the two members of the capsule are pressed together while avoiding direct contact between the substance packed inside the closed capsule and the coupling means.
Various organic film forming materials can be used as the capsule material. Suitable materials include starch, water-soluble chemical derivatives of starch, gelatin, phthalate gelatin, gelatin succinate, cross-linked gelatin, shellac, sunflower protein, soy bean protein, cotton seed protein, peanut protein, rape seed protein, blood protein, Egg protein, acrylate protein and other vegetable proteins, alginate, carrageenan, guar gum, agar agar, gum arabic and related gums, pectin and other water soluble polysaccharides, water soluble cellulose derivatives, alkyl cellulose, hydroxyalkyl cellulose, hydroxy Alkylcellulose and hydroxyalkylalkylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, hydride Xylethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxyethylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and hydroxybutylmethylcellulose, cellulose esters, hydroxyalkylcellulose esters including cellulose acetylphthalate (CAP) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP), carboxylalkylcellulose, carboxyalkyl Cellulose, carboxyalkyl cellulose esters including carboxymethyl cellulose and their alkali metal salts, water-soluble synthetic polymers including polyacrylic acid and polyacrylic acid esters, polymethacrylic acid and polymethacrylic acid esters, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, poly Vinyl acetate Rate (PVAP), polyvinylpyrrolidone, black tonic acid, cationic modified acrylates and methacrylates and combinations thereof.
Preferably, the main material of the capsule is starch. Preferably the starch is a vegetable carbohydrate, which consists of amylose and amylopectin. Preferably, it is extracted from various plants, for example, various plants which are grains such as potato, rice, tapioca, corn and rye, oats and wheat. By increasing the temperature at the same time as applying pressure, a starch of this nature can form a dense member that exhibits a high degree of accuracy. Pressures carried out at high temperatures under pressure, in particular injection molding manufacturing techniques, are described in European Patent Application 84300940.8 (Publication No. 118240) and apply to the present invention. This patent document specifies processing conditions (preferred temperature, pressure and moisture level content) and includes information on additives such as extenders, lubricants, plasticizers and / or colorants, which is hereby incorporated by reference. included.
The pressure molding of other materials of the type described above carried out at high pressure and high temperature, in particular the injection molding of gelatin, is described in European Patent Application No. 83301643.9 (Publication No. 90,600), which is subject to processing conditions. Identify (preferred temperature, pressure and moisture level content) and include information on possible additives such as extenders, lubricants, plasticizers and / or colorants. This application is also incorporated herein by reference.
It is within the scope of the present invention to mix and combine the various materials described above. Most preferred is a mixture or combination of starch and one or more colorants.
An inorganic filler such as an oxide of magnesium, aluminum, silicon, titanium, or the like can be added to the above-described materials. Bulking agent concentrations up to 50% are indicated, but they must be in the range of 3-10% based on the weight of all ingredients.
Examples of added plasticizers are preferably in the range 0.5 to 15%, preferably in the range 0.5 to 5% polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyethylene propylene glycol, based on the weight of all components Including low molecular weight organic plasticizers such as polyalkylene oxide, glycerol, glycerol monoacetate, diacetate or triacetate, propylene glycol, sorbitol, sodium diethylsulfosuccinate, triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, etc. .
Examples of colorants include azo dyes, organic or inorganic pigments or natural colorants. Inorganic pigments such as iron or titanium oxides are preferred. These oxides are added at concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 10%, preferably 0.5 to 3%, based on the weight of all components.
Preferably, the capsule member has a water content of further 10 to 20%, preferably 12 to 19%, more preferably 14 to 18%, based on the weight of all components. The sum of plasticizer and water content preferably does not exceed 25%, more preferably does not exceed 20%, based on the weight of all components.
Binding means used in the present invention are water and gelatin, starch, modified starch, cellulose derivatives, modified cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, glycerol, other polyols, glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, A polymer selected from the group consisting of anionic, cationic or amphoteric water-soluble surfactants, cationic or anionic water-soluble acrylic polymers, polysaccharides including monosaccharides, oligosaccharides and dextrins and mixtures thereof. It is.
The amount of polymer added should be up to about 50% by weight, preferably 1-20%, most preferably 2-10%, based on the total weight of the coupling means.
Most preferably, water and dextrin are used in amounts of 2 to 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the binding means. An example of a suitable dextrin is the yellow dextrin TACKIDEX DF145 supplied from ROQUETTE made from potato starch.
According to the invention, the coupling means is applied to at least one contact area. Preferably, the coupling means is applied to the second contact area.
Various techniques can be used to apply the coupling means to the second contact area. A preferred method is to spray the coupling means on the second contact area. Preferably, excess coupling means are removed by a suction device.
A further preferred method of providing a binding means is to use an absorbent material. The coupling means is absorbed by the absorbent material and is transferred to the contact area by bringing the contact area into direct contact with the absorbent material.
In order to form a tight seal between the joined members of the capsule, it is preferable to insert the joined members of the capsule into a pressing device that presses them together.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the combined members of the capsule are inserted into a U-shaped container having two wings. A closed capsule is placed between the two wings of the container. A predetermined pressure is applied to the closed capsule by adjusting the distance between the two wings.
Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the capsules to which the members are coupled are inserted into the passage and guided along the passage, forming a continuous row inside the passage with the inserted capsules in direct contact with each other; Released from the passageway. The capsules forming a row inside the passages have a predetermined orientation with respect to each other.
Preferably, the passage is in the vertical direction and the capsule is inserted near the bottom of the passage. The weight of the capsule near the top of the passage provides sufficient pressure on the capsule near the bottom of the passage.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the passage has a pressure device to provide sufficient pressure on the combined members of the capsule. Preferably, the pressure device has an air piston that applies a predetermined force to the capsule just prior to being released from the passage. Preferably, the force applied by the air piston is between 5.0 and 15N.
The length of the passage between the insertion and release of the capsule is selected so that it remains for a sufficient time inside the passage to obtain a strong sealing area between the joined members of the capsule. Preferably, this time is in the range of 10 to 60 seconds. It is preferred to maintain a high temperature of 25-50 ° C., most preferably about 40 ° C., in order to reduce the time required to obtain a strong sealed area.
In order to easily eliminate defective capsules, the passage is preferably pivotable from a first position where the capsule can be inserted into the passage to a second position where the capsule cannot be inserted into the passage.
In order to prevent the inserted capsule from falling out of the passage through the first opening of the passage, a holding device is provided in the vicinity of the first opening of the passage. Preferably, the holding device has a pawl pivotable from a first position where the capsule is held inside the passage to a second position where the capsule can be inserted into the passage, and a spring member, It is preferable to press the pawl against the first position.
In order to ensure an accurate release of the capsule, the passage has a discharge device arranged in said opening for releasing the capsule from the passage through the second opening. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the discharge device has a discharge spring disposed in the second opening for discharging the capsule through the second opening. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the emission device has emission noise arranged in the second opening for releasing the capsule from the passage through the second opening.
1 and 2 show the structure of an apparatus for manufacturing a closed sealed capsule according to the present invention. In this apparatus, the magazine 1 houses a first member 22 of a capsule that is used as a container member filled with a product to be packed. The magazine 1 is connected to a conveying path 2 that continuously vibrates, and guides the capsule container member 22 to the feeding device 3. The container member 22 of the capsule is pushed into the holder 5 by the component feeder 3 of the container. This is done by the ram 3a. Thereby, the opening of the container member 22 faces upward. The holder 5 is fixed to the rotary table 4. In a regular step determined by step rotation of the turntable 4, the container member 22 is conveyed to the filling device 6. Each container member 22 receives a metered amount of a very fine powder, or a medium or low viscosity liquid 19 through the filling device 6. The powder 19 or the liquid 19 is supplied from the stock container 6a. The filled container member 22 is then transported to the closure station 7. In this closing station 7, the second member 21 of the capsule is placed on top of the container member 22 and is coupled to the container member 22. The closing member 21 is stored in the closing member magazine 10. The closing member 21 is transferred to the closing station 7 via the second feeding device 9, i.e. the conveying path 9 that continuously vibrates. The closing station 7 has a coupling device, i.e. a rotor 8 and a holder 8a, together with a container 14 containing the coupling means 13. Furthermore, the closing station 7 has a wetting device 12 with an absorbent material 12a. The operation of the closing station 7 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. The combined members 21 and 22 of the capsule are conveyed to a detection device 25 that controls the quality of the closed capsule. The closed capsule is transferred to the pressing device 11. Depending on the quality of the closed capsule, the defective capsule is guided on the outlet chute 29 to the container 26, whereas the non-defective capsule is inserted into the pressing device 11. These capsules are guided through a passage inside the pressing device 11, discharged through an opening 43 near the top of the pressing device 11, and guided onto the outlet chute 28 to the container 27. The operation of the pressing device 11 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.
The apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can process different capsules at the same time and increase the production rate. The various steps of providing a capsule container member, filling the container member, closing the capsule and pressing the capsule members together are performed simultaneously on different capsules. The steps of forming the container member, filling the container member, and closing the capsule have a station time that is completely independent of the predetermined time required to obtain a strong sealed area between the capsule members. This means that other processing steps are not forced to wait until the time consuming pressing step is complete.
In order to further accelerate the production process, the feeding device 3, the filling device 6, the closing station 7 and the holder 5 can, for example, handle three capsules simultaneously. In that case, the pressing device has three passages for pressing the capsule.
FIG. 4 shows the filled and closed capsule in more detail. The capsule has a first member 22 for use as a container for a very fine powder or liquid 19 of medium or low viscosity. The capsule 20 is closed by a second member 21 arranged on top of the first member 22. The first member 22 has a first contact area 24, and the second member 21 has a second contact area 23. By joining the capsule members, the contact areas 23, 24 are contacted via the coupling means to form a closed sealing area.
FIG. 3 shows the closing station 7 in a vertical section. The closing station 7 has a container 14 for containing a coupling means or sealing liquid 13. In order to maintain a certain level of sealing liquid 13 within the container 14, two additional containers connected to the container 14 via droppers 15 and overflow 16 are provided. Part of the absorbent material, for example felt 12a, is partly applied to the container. The sealing liquid 13 is drawn to the felt 12a portion by a capillary and is transferred to the felt 12a portion outside the container.
In order to bring the second or closing member 21 of the capsule arranged in the transport passage 9 into contact with the coupling means 13, the closing member 21 is obtained by the holder 8a. The holder 8a acquires the closure members by vacuum and transfers them to the felt part outside the container 14. The vertical movement of the holder 8a presses the closure member 21 against the felt 12a, thereby wetting the contact area 23 of the closure member 21 with the sealing liquid 13. The continuous rotation of the holder 8a combined with the vertical movement transfers the closure member 21 to the top of the capsule container member 22 arranged in the holder 5. The closure member 21 and the container member 22 are combined as a result of the vertical movement of the holder 8a and the simultaneous removal of the vacuum.
FIG. 6 schematically shows a pressing device 11 according to the invention. The capsule 20 to which the members are coupled is arranged in the holder 5, and the holder 5 is attached to the rotary table 4 and transports the capsule from the closing station 7 to the pressing device 11. The pressing device 11 has a linear passage 31 that is substantially vertical. The passage 31 has an opening 56 at the bottom of the passage 31 and an opening 43 near the top of the passage 31. A pawl 32 is located near the lower opening 56 to hold the capsule inside the passage. The pawl 32 is pivotable about the mounting portion 34. However, the spring member 35 is used to hold the pawl 32 in a first position where the bottom opening 56 of the passage 31 is closed and the buffer 36 is pressed against the wall of the passage 31.
The capsules 20 inside the passage 31 form a vertical row, whereby successive capsules are in direct contact with each other and have a predetermined orientation with each other. Thereby, the pressure applied to the capsules at the top of the row is transmitted to all the capsules inside the passage 31.
An inclined surface 37 is arranged near the bottom of the passage 31 so as to guide the defective capsule to the outlet chute. This is possible because the passage 31 is pivotable around the attachment 38. An actuating device 40 arranged on the frame 39 is used to drive this turning of the passage 31.
Furthermore, the passage 31 has pressure devices 41, 42 that provide sufficient pressure to the combined capsules. The air piston 41 is actuated by the actuating cylinder 42. Furthermore, the passage 31 has a discharge device 44 arranged in the second opening for discharging the capsule from the passage 31 through the second opening 43. In this embodiment, the discharge device 44 has a discharge spring. The released capsule is collected by the exit chute.
A detection device (not shown) detects when the holder 5 has reached a position directly below the passage 31. At that time, the pressure applied by the air piston is released so that the capsule can be inserted into the passage 31. The pusher 30 pushes the capsule 20 toward the inclined surface 33 near the bottom of the pawl, whereby the pawl 32 pivots to a second position that opens the lower opening 56 and the capsule 20 is inside the passage. Pressed further. The detection device 45 is used to terminate the vertical movement of the pusher when fully inserted into the capsule passage 31. The corresponding situation is shown in FIG. By inserting the capsule into the passage 31, the capsule 20 already inside the passage 31 is pushed upward, and the capsule 20 located at the top of the passage 31 is discharged from the groove to the outlet chute 28 and the capsule is collected. . When pusher 30 leaves passage 31, pawl 32 returns to its original position, holding the capsule inside the passage. The air piston then contacts the capsules at the top of the row again and a predetermined pressure is applied.
FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the discharge device. In this embodiment, a discharge nozzle 46 is used to discharge the capsule from the passage 31. The discharge nozzle uses compressed air supplied through the compressed air line 47.
The passage 31 is pivotable from a first position where the capsule is inserted into the passage 31 to a second position where the capsule cannot be inserted into the passage 31. When the detection device 25 (FIGS. 1 and 2) detects a capsule 20a having a defect, the passage 31 turns from the first position to the second position, and the defect capsule 20a is in the vicinity of the bottom opening 56. It is pushed by the pusher 30 toward the inclined surface 37 arranged at. The inclined surface 37 guides the defective part 20a to an outlet chute 29 that collects the defective capsules that must be removed. The corresponding situation is shown in FIG.
10 to 12 show another embodiment of the pressing device according to the present invention. The pressing device consists of a container 48 having two opposing parts or wings 49,50. The two wings 49 and 50 are connected via a spacer 51 and a screw 52. The container has a U shape and the closure capsule can be inserted between two opposing wings 49,50. The wings 49 and 50 have grooves 54 in the shape of the capsule 20. The groove 54 has a conical surface 53 to facilitate insertion of the capsule into the container 48. In order to adjust the pressure applied to the inserted capsule, the distance between the two wings 49, 50 can be adjusted by means of a screw 52. To facilitate removal of the capsule, the container 48 has a groove 55 disposed between the two wings 49, 50 of the container 48.
The following specific example of processing according to the present invention is shown. Of course, these examples are merely illustrative and do not limit the invention.
Example 1
Starch capsule size 0, yellow opacity is filled with 450 mg peanut oil (viscosity 60-70 cps) and closed in an automatic filling machine as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, so that FIGS. A pressing device as shown in the figure was used. The sealant contains 5% yellow dextrin of water and potato starch (TACKIDEX DF supplied by ROQUETTE). The following results were obtained.
Figure 0003679414
As can be seen from Table 1, with a large amount of sealing liquid (Trial 1), a tight seal is achieved (no leakage), but nearly 100% of the capsule is partially reopened. When the amount of sealant is optimized to 111 / cap (Trial 2), reopening is greatly reduced, but the capsule is not tight. Within 24 hours, 61% of the capsules leaked.
By using the optimum amount of sealing liquid in combination with the pressing step according to the invention, the reopening of the capsule is completely prevented and the leakage is greatly reduced.
Example 2
Starch capsule size 0, yellow opaque, filled with 450 mg peanut oil (viscosity 60-70 cps) and closed in an automatic filling machine as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, thereby as shown in FIG. 6 A pressing device was used. The sealant contained 5% yellow dextrin of water and potato starch (TACKIDEX DF supplied by ROQUETTE). The following results were obtained.
Figure 0003679414
As can be seen from Table 2, with a large amount of sealant (Trial 1), a tight seal is achieved (no leakage), but nearly 100% of the capsule is partially reopened. When the amount of sealant is optimized to 111 / cap (Trial 2), reopening is greatly reduced, but the capsule is not tight. Within 24 hours, 61% of the capsules leaked.
By using the pressing device according to FIG. 6 (trial 4), the reopening of the capsule was completely inhibited and the leakage was completely inhibited.
Thus, the present invention achieves a method for joining and sealing two members of a capsule. This method allows very fine powders and medium or low viscosity liquids to be filled without leaking and without the negative effects of excess sealing liquid and partial reopening of the sealing area. A tight seal between the two parts of the capsule is achieved. Furthermore, the method according to the invention significantly reduces the amount of capsules that are rejected by defects inside the sealed area.
The present invention also provides an apparatus for manufacturing a closed sealed capsule having an openable material filled in at least one cavity inside a capsule formed from two or more bonded sealing members of organic film forming material. provide.

Claims (33)

有機フィルム形成材料の複数の部材を結合密封して形成されたカプセルの内側の少なくとも1つの空洞に充填された放出可能な物質を含む閉鎖密封カプセルを製造する方法であって、
(a)第1の接触領域を有するカプセルの第1の部材を準備する工程と、
(b)前記カプセルの前記第1の部材に、收容すべき物質を充填する工程と、
(c)第2の接触領域を有するカプセルの少なくとも第2の部材を準備する工程と、
(d)少なくとも1つの前記接触領域に結合手段を付与する工程と、
(e)前記結合手段を介して前記両接触領域が接触するように前記カプセルの複数の部材を結合する工程と、
(f)閉鎖密封カプセルを得るために、対向する前記両接触領域が所定時間の間、押圧接触を維持するように、所定の力で前記カプセルの結合された複数の前記部材を互に押圧する工程とを有する製造方法において、
前記カプセルの結合された部材が、2つのウイング及び該ウイングの間の距離を調整するための装置を有するU形状の容器に挿入され、前記カプセルの結合された部材が前記両ウイングの間に配置され、両ウイングの間の距離を調整することによって所定の圧力が前記結合された部材に加えられることを特徴とする方法。
A method of manufacturing a closed sealed capsule comprising a releasable substance filled in at least one cavity inside a capsule formed by bonding and sealing a plurality of members of an organic film forming material comprising:
(A) providing a first member of a capsule having a first contact area;
(B) filling the first member of the capsule with a substance to be stored;
(C) providing at least a second member of a capsule having a second contact area;
(D) providing a coupling means to at least one of the contact areas;
(E) coupling the plurality of members of the capsule so that the two contact areas are in contact via the coupling means;
(F) In order to obtain a closed and sealed capsule, the plurality of members to which the capsules are coupled are pressed against each other with a predetermined force such that the opposing contact areas maintain a pressing contact for a predetermined time. In the manufacturing method which has a process,
The combined member of the capsule is inserted into a U-shaped container having two wings and a device for adjusting the distance between the wings, and the combined member of the capsule is disposed between the two wings. And a predetermined pressure is applied to the combined member by adjusting the distance between the wings.
前記工程(f)が前記工程(a)乃至(e)と同時に実行されるように異なるカプセルが同時に処理され、工程(a)乃至(e)は、工程(f)の前記所定の時間から独立したステーション時間を有する請求項1に記載の方法。Different capsules are processed simultaneously such that step (f) is performed simultaneously with steps (a) to (e), and steps (a) to (e) are independent of the predetermined time of step (f). The method of claim 1, wherein the method has a station time. 前記結合された複数の部材は、閉鎖されたカプセルの内側の前記物質と前記結合手段との間の直接的な接触を避けながら互に押圧される請求項1に記載の方法。The method of claim 1, wherein the combined members are pressed together while avoiding direct contact between the substance inside the closed capsule and the connecting means. 有機フィルム形成材料は、スターチ、スターチの水溶性化学誘導体、ゼラチン、フタレートゼラチン、ゼラチンサクシネート、クロスリンクゼラチン、シェラック、サンフラワープロテイン、ソイビーンプロテイン、コットンシードプロテイン、ピーナッツプロテイン、レイプシードプロテイン、ブラッドプロテイン、エッグプロテイン、アクリレートプロテイン及び他の植物性のプロテイン、アルジネート、カーラジーナン、グアーガム、アガールーアガール、ガムアラビック及び関連トガム、ペクチン及び他の水溶性ポリサッカライド、水溶性セルロース誘導体、アルキルセルロース、ヒドロキシアルキルセルロース、ヒドロキシアルキルセルロース及びヒドロキシアルキルアルキルセルロース、メチルセルロース、ヒドロキシメチルセルロース、ヒドロキシエチルセルロース、ヒドロキシプロピルセルロース、ヒドロキシエチルメチルセルロース、ヒドロキシプロピルメチルセルロース及びヒドロキシブチルメチルセルロース、セルロースエステル、セルロースアセチルフタレート(CAP)を含むヒドロキシアルキルセルロースエステル及びヒドロキシプロピルメチルセルロースフタレート(HPMCP)、カルボキシルアルキルセルロース、カルボキシルアルキルセルロース、カルボキシルメチルセルロースを含むカルボキシアルキルセルロースエステル及びそれらのアルカリ金属塩、ポリアクリル酸及びポリアクリル酸エステルを含む水溶性合成ポリマー、ポリメタクリル酸及びポリメタクリル酸エステル、ポリビニールアセテート、ポリビニールアルコール、ポリビニールアセテートフタレート(PVAP)、ポリビニルピロリドン、ポリクロトニック酸、カチオンモディファイド・アクリレート及びメタクリレート及びその組み合わせから成るグループから選択される請求項1に記載の方法。Organic film forming materials are starch, water-soluble chemical derivatives of starch, gelatin, phthalate gelatin, gelatin succinate, cross-linked gelatin, shellac, sunflower protein, soy bean protein, cotton seed protein, peanut protein, rape seed protein, blood protein , Egg protein, acrylate protein and other vegetable proteins, alginate, carrageenan, guar gum, agar agar, gum arabic and related togams, pectin and other water soluble polysaccharides, water soluble cellulose derivatives, alkyl cellulose, hydroxyalkyl cellulose , Hydroxyalkyl cellulose and hydroxyalkyl alkyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose Rose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxyethylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and hydroxybutylmethylcellulose, cellulose esters, hydroxyalkylcellulose esters including cellulose acetylphthalate (CAP) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP), carboxyalkylcellulose, carboxyl Alkyl cellulose, carboxyalkyl cellulose esters including carboxymethyl cellulose and alkali metal salts thereof, water-soluble synthetic polymers including polyacrylic acid and polyacrylic acid ester, polymethacrylic acid and polymethacrylic acid ester, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, Polybi Lumpur acetate phthalate (PVAP), polyvinylpyrrolidone, black tonic acid, Process according to claim 1 which is selected from cationic modified acrylates and methacrylates and the group consisting of combinations thereof. 前記有機フィルム形成材料が増量剤、可塑剤及び/または着色剤を有する請求項4に記載の方法。The method according to claim 4, wherein the organic film forming material has a filler, a plasticizer and / or a colorant. 前記有機フィルム形成材料がスターチ及び着色剤を有する請求項1に記載の方法。The method of claim 1, wherein the organic film forming material comprises a starch and a colorant. 前記結合手段は、水、及びゼラチン、スターチ、変形されたスターチ、セルロース誘導体、変形セルロース、ポリビニールアルコール、ポリビニールピロリドン、グリセロール、他のポリオル、グリコール、ポリエチレングリコール、ポリプロピレングリコール、陰イオン、陽イオンまたは両性の水溶性である表面活性剤、陽イオンまたは陰イオンである水溶性アクリルポリマー、モノサッカライド、オリゴサッカライド、及びデキストリンを含むポリサッカライド及びその混合物から成るグループから選択されたポリマーを有する請求項1に記載の方法。The binding means include water, gelatin, starch, modified starch, cellulose derivatives, modified cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, glycerol, other polyols, glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, anion, cation Or a polymer selected from the group consisting of surfactants that are amphoteric water-soluble, water-soluble acrylic polymers that are cations or anions, monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides including dextrins and mixtures thereof. The method according to 1. 付加される前記ポリマーの量が、前記結合手段の全体重量に基づいて重量で約50%までである請求項7に記載の方法。8. The method of claim 7, wherein the amount of polymer added is up to about 50% by weight based on the total weight of the coupling means. 前記結合手段が、結合手段の全体質量に基づいて重量で2乃至10%の量の水及びデキストリンを有する請求項1に記載の方法。The method according to claim 1, wherein the binding means comprises water and dextrin in an amount of 2 to 10% by weight based on the total mass of the binding means. 前記結合手段が、前記第2の接触領域に付与される請求項1に記載の方法。The method of claim 1, wherein the coupling means is applied to the second contact area. 前記結合手段が、前記第2の接触領域にスプレーされる請求項10に記載の方法。The method of claim 10, wherein the coupling means is sprayed onto the second contact area. 余剰な前記結合手段が、吸引装置によって除去される請求項11に記載の方法。12. A method according to claim 11, wherein excess coupling means is removed by a suction device. 前記結合手段が、吸収材料によって吸収され、前記接触領域を前記吸収材料に直接接触させることによって前記接触領域に転移される請求項10に記載の方法。The method according to claim 10, wherein the coupling means is absorbed by an absorbent material and transferred to the contact area by bringing the contact area into direct contact with the absorbent material. 前記カプセルの結合された複数の部材が、該結合された部材を互に押圧する押圧装置に挿入される請求項1に記載の方法。The method of claim 1, wherein the combined members of the capsule are inserted into a pressing device that presses the combined members together. 前記カプセルの結合された複数の部材が、通路に挿入され、前記通路に沿って案内され、前記通路から放出され、挿入された前記カプセルが互に直接接触した連続する列を前記通路の内側に形成し、前記通路から放出される請求項14に記載の方法。A plurality of coupled members of the capsule are inserted into the passage, guided along the passage, ejected from the passage, and a continuous row in which the inserted capsules are in direct contact with each other inside the passage. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the method is formed and released from the passage. 前記通路は垂直方向を向いており、前記部材が結合されたカプセルは、前記通路の底部近傍に挿入され、前記通路の上部近傍のカプセルが前記通路の底部近傍のカプセルに十分な圧力を与え、前記通路の上部近傍から放出される請求項15に記載の方法。The passage is oriented vertically, the capsule to which the member is coupled is inserted near the bottom of the passage, the capsule near the top of the passage applies sufficient pressure to the capsule near the bottom of the passage; The method of claim 15, wherein the method is discharged from near the top of the passage. 前記通路が、前記カプセルの結合された部材に十分な圧力を与える圧力装置を有する請求項15に記載の方法。The method of claim 15, wherein the passageway has a pressure device that provides sufficient pressure to the coupled members of the capsule. 前記圧力装置は、次に前記通路から放出されるカプセルの結合された部材に所定の力を加える空気ピストンを有する請求項17に記載の方法。18. The method of claim 17, wherein the pressure device comprises an air piston that applies a predetermined force to the coupled member of the capsule that is then released from the passage. 前記通路が、25°乃至50℃の高温度に維持される請求項17に記載の方法。The method of claim 17, wherein the passage is maintained at an elevated temperature of 25 ° to 50 ° C. 前記2つの部材が、約10乃至60秒の間で互に押圧される請求項1に記載の方法。The method of claim 1, wherein the two members are pressed together for about 10 to 60 seconds. 有機フィルム形成材料の2つの部材(21,22)を結合密封して形成されたカプセル(20)の内側の少なくとも1つの空洞に充填された放出可能な物質(19)を含む閉鎖密封カプセルを製造する装置であって、
第1の接触領域(24)を有するカプセル(20)の第1の部材(22)を提供する第1の送り装置(3,3a)と、
前記カプセルの前記第1の部材に、收容すべき物質を充填する充填装置(6)と、
第2の接触領域(23)を有するカプセル(20)の第2の部材(21)を提供する第2の送り装置(9)と、
少なくとも1つの前記接触領域(23,24)に結合手段(13)を付与する湿潤手段(12,12a)と、
対向する前記接触領域(23,24)が閉鎖密封カプセル(20)を得るために所定時間の間、押圧接触を維持するように所定の力で前記カプセル(20)の結合された複数の前記部材(21,22)を互に押圧する少なくとも1つの押圧装置(11,48)とを有する閉鎖密封カプセル製造装置において、
前記押圧装置(11,48)は、2つのウイング及び該ウイングの間の距離を調整するための装置を有するU形状の容器を有し、前記カプセル(20)の結合された部材(21,22)が、両ウイングの間に配置され、両ウイング(49,50)の間の距離を調整することによって所定の圧力が前記結合部材に加えられることを特徴とする装置。
Producing a closed sealed capsule comprising a releasable substance (19) filled in at least one cavity inside a capsule (20) formed by bonding and sealing two members (21, 22) of organic film forming material A device to perform
A first feeder (3, 3a) providing a first member (22) of a capsule (20) having a first contact area (24);
A filling device (6) for filling the first member of the capsule with a substance to be accommodated;
A second feeding device (9) providing a second member (21) of the capsule (20) having a second contact area (23);
Wetting means (12, 12a) for providing coupling means (13) to at least one said contact area (23, 24);
A plurality of the members coupled to the capsule (20) with a predetermined force such that the opposing contact areas (23, 24) maintain a pressing contact for a predetermined time to obtain a closed sealed capsule (20) In a closed sealed capsule manufacturing apparatus having at least one pressing device (11, 48) for pressing (21, 22) together,
The pressing device (11, 48) has a U-shaped container having two wings and a device for adjusting the distance between the wings, and the joined members (21, 22) of the capsule (20) ) Is arranged between the wings, and a predetermined pressure is applied to the coupling member by adjusting the distance between the wings (49, 50).
前記押圧装置(11)は、第1の開口部(56)及び前記第1の開口部から間隔を置いた第2の開口部(43)を有する少なくとも1つの通路(31)を有し、前記カプセルの結合された部材(21,22)が前記第1の開口部(56)を通じて前記通路(31)に挿入され、該通路(31)に沿って案内され、挿入された前記カプセル(20)が互に直接接触した連続する列を前記通路の内側に形成し、前記第2の開口部を通じて前記通路から放出される請求項21に記載の装置。The pressing device (11) has at least one passage (31) having a first opening (56) and a second opening (43) spaced from the first opening, The capsule-connected member (21, 22) is inserted into the passage (31) through the first opening (56), guided along the passage (31), and inserted into the capsule (20). 23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the devices form continuous rows in direct contact with each other inside the passage and are discharged from the passage through the second opening. 前記カプセル(20)の前記結合された部材(21,22)が前記通路(31)に挿入可能な第1の位置から、前記カプセルの結合された部材(21,22)が前記通路(31)に挿入可能でない第2の位置へ、前記通路(31)が旋回可能である請求項22に記載の装置。From the first position where the joined members (21, 22) of the capsule (20) can be inserted into the passage (31), the joined members (21, 22) of the capsule are moved into the passage (31). 23. The device according to claim 22, wherein the passage (31) is pivotable to a second position where it cannot be inserted into the device. 前記通路(31)は、垂直方向を向いており、前記第1の開口部(56)は前記通路(31)の底部近傍に配置され、前記第2の開口部(43)は前記通路(31)の上部近傍に配置され、前記通路の上部近傍の前記カプセルの重量が前記通路の底部近傍のカプセルに十分な圧力を与える請求項22に記載の装置。The passage (31) faces in the vertical direction, the first opening (56) is disposed near the bottom of the passage (31), and the second opening (43) is disposed in the passage (31). 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the weight of the capsule near the top of the passage provides sufficient pressure on the capsule near the bottom of the passage. 前記通路(31)が、前記カプセル(20)の結合された部材(21,22)に十分な圧力を与える圧力装置(41,42)を有する請求項22に記載の装置。23. A device according to claim 22, wherein the passageway (31) comprises a pressure device (41, 42) that provides sufficient pressure on the joined members (21, 22) of the capsule (20). 前記圧力装置(41,42)は、次に前記通路から放出されるカプセル(20)の結合された部材(21,22)に所定の力を加える空気ピストン(41)を有する請求項25に記載の方法。26. The pressure device (41, 42) comprises an air piston (41) for applying a predetermined force to the joined member (21, 22) of the capsule (20) which is then released from the passage. the method of. 前記空気ピストン(41)によって加えられる力が、5.0乃至15Nの範囲である請求項26に記載の装置。27. Device according to claim 26, wherein the force applied by the air piston (41) is in the range of 5.0 to 15N. 前記通路(31)は、挿入された前記カプセル(20)が前記第1の開口部(56)を通じて前記通路(31)から出ることを防止するために前記通路(31)の第1の開口部(56)近傍に配置された保持装置(32)を有する請求項25に記載の装置。The passage (31) has a first opening in the passage (31) to prevent the inserted capsule (20) from exiting the passage (31) through the first opening (56). (56) Device according to claim 25, comprising a holding device (32) arranged in the vicinity. 前記保持装置(32)は、挿入された前記カプセル(20)が前記通路の内側に保持される第1の位置から、前記カプセル(20)の結合された部材(21,22)が前記通路(31)に挿入される第2の位置へ旋回可能なつめ(32)と、ばね部材(35)とを有し、前記ばね部材(35)は、前記第1の位置に向って前記つめ(32)を押す請求項28に記載の装置。The holding device (32) is configured so that the joined members (21, 22) of the capsule (20) are moved from the first position where the inserted capsule (20) is held inside the passage. 31) a pawl (32) that is pivotable to a second position, and a spring member (35), said spring member (35) being directed toward said first position. 29. The device of claim 28, wherein the device is pressed. 前記通路(31)は、前記第2の開口部(43)を通じて前記カプセル(20)を放出すべく前記第2の開口部(43)に配置された放出装置(44,46)を有する請求項25に記載の装置。The passageway (31) comprises a discharge device (44, 46) disposed in the second opening (43) for discharging the capsule (20) through the second opening (43). The device according to 25. 前記放出装置(44,46)は、前記第2の開口部(43)を通じて前記カプセル(20)を放出すべく前記第2の開口部(43)に配置された放出ばね(44)を有する請求項30に記載の装置。The discharge device (44, 46) comprises a discharge spring (44) disposed in the second opening (43) to discharge the capsule (20) through the second opening (43). Item 30. The apparatus according to Item 30. 前記放出装置(44,46)は、前記第2の開口部(43)を通じて前記カプセル(20)を放出すべく前記第2の開口部(43)に配置された放出ノズル(46)を有する請求項30に記載の装置。The discharge device (44, 46) comprises a discharge nozzle (46) disposed in the second opening (43) to discharge the capsule (20) through the second opening (43). Item 30. The apparatus according to Item 30. 前記押圧装置(11,48)は、25°乃至50℃の高温度に前記通路の温度を調整するための温度調整装置を有する請求項25に記載の装置。The device according to claim 25, wherein the pressing device (11, 48) comprises a temperature adjusting device for adjusting the temperature of the passage to a high temperature of 25 ° C to 50 ° C.
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DE69528172T2 (en) 2003-06-05
CN1104876C (en) 2003-04-09
EP0765150B1 (en) 2002-09-11
PT765150E (en) 2003-01-31
CN1155238A (en) 1997-07-23
WO1995034269A1 (en) 1995-12-21
ES2182905T3 (en) 2003-03-16
US5617710A (en) 1997-04-08
EP0765150A1 (en) 1997-04-02
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JPH10501718A (en) 1998-02-17
DK0765150T3 (en) 2002-12-16

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